Page 47 of Bitter Spirits

Zev nodded as he set his phone aside. “They weren’t the only ones, but…”

“But it’s a link.” Dubious as all hell, but it was something.

Back at the start of this mess, two rival Family companies, LanTech and Origin, were chasing the formula Emilio’s sister-in-law had created, the same one that would become the Delphi serum. Keith Thatcher had kept LanTech’s books and used insider knowledge to blackmail his way to a very violent death.

“You would think after Emilio got done with decimating LanTech and Origin, that would’ve been the end of it,” Locke said.

Zev’s expression darkened. “It would’ve been if not for Jude Novak.”

“Got to admit, I never really thought the whole Cabal story was real.” The traitorous councilman had been a player in a shadowy group of disenfranchised fringe mages and twisted scientists intent on gaining both political and financial power from the Families. “Now I’ve got to wonder just how deep their rot runs.”

“Deep,” Zev said grimly.

A ring of bells drifted over the din of conversation and background music. Zev’s gaze sharpened on something behind him, so Locke twisted in his seat as Beto shouldered his way through the door. Dressed in a bespoke suit, he stuck out like a sore thumb. He pulled off a pair of sunglasses and scanned the room. His gaze landed on Zev then flared just a bit when it encountered Locke. Beto frowned.

“Yep, he saw me,” Locke said under his breath as he twisted back around, giving the financier his back as he took another sip.

Zev tilted his head toward the counter where Maeve sat, a silent indication for Beto to order something. Locke maintained his casual pose as he watched Zev track the other man’s movements. Silent minutes passed as they waited for Beto to join them.

“Aslanov.” Beto’s voice was surprisingly relaxed but carried a hint of something darker.

“Montenegro.” Zev motioned to a chair. “Have a seat.”

Beto set a glass of iced tea on the table then settled his thick body into the chair, taking a moment to smooth out the lines of his slacks. He watched Zev activate the privacy rune etched into the table’s wooden top, ensuring that their conversation would not be overheard. Only then did he turn his attention to Locke.

“I didn’t catch your name last night.”

Locke curved his lips, more in warning than welcome. “I didn’t give it.”

Beto’s mouth tightened, and irritation flared deep in his eyes. “Why am I here?” he asked Zev.

“We have some questions.”

“About…?”

“Your assistant,” Locke said.

Chapter 15

Isa

Worried and on edge, Isa fought for patience. “Just drop me off first,” she repeated as she finished her one-word text to Locke. “Wonderland is closer. Drop me off, then take Kelly home.”

Des stood in front of her, arms crossed, eyes hidden behind sunglasses, expression unyielding. “We can wait at Wonderland until Locke shows up.”

The last twenty-four hours—hell, the last forty-eight—had been a nonstop pressure cooker, and Isa’s rising frustration threatened to blow the lid right off her churning emotions. She locked her jaw, determined not to let it spew all over Des. She understood he worried, but for fuck’s sake, she was a grown-ass woman who did not need a babysitter.

“No, you can’t. You need to get that girl home, and I need to get back to the bar,” she said.

As if it wasn’t enough that the meeting with River had gone long, Wonderland’s alcohol delivery was running early, leaving Isa with just enough time to get back to the bar to accept it. If Des stopped playing overprotective brother.

“We can wait.”

Isa went toe-to-toe with him. “No, you won’t.” She grabbed Des’s chin and forced him to look to where Kelly stood a little ways down the sidewalk, talking on her phone, shoulders hunched, arms wrapped protectively around her stomach. “She needs to get home to her mom, where she feels safe.” Under her fingertips, a muscle jumped in Des’s jaw.

“Fine,” he snarled as he circled her wrist and pulled her hand away from his face. He lowered his head until he could glare at her over his sunglasses. “You will set the security ward and keep it active until Locke shows up.”

Under her skin, irritation simmered, making her twitchy and bitchy. She twisted out of his grasp. “Fine. Whatever.” She pulled her sunglasses off her head, grimaced when they took a couple of strands of hair with them, and shoved them in place. “Delivery’s only fifteen minutes out.” And if they weren’t there to accept it, a reschedule would cost extra.